Minneapolis Lakes, MN July 2023

Summer Fun Issue

Life Can Be an Adventure

Post-pandemic, I’ve been feeling like everything is back to a crazy rat-race pace and people are just  so busy. But, in reality … what are we busy doing? Personally, I am trying to take a bit of time this summer to try new things and live in the moment. I am challenging myself with new summer adventures and different experiences.

As always, there is so much to cover in the Minneapolis Lakes community and we don’t have enough room to fit it all in! Our team explored some new adventurous places to share with you this month.

There is nothing like driving in a fun car with the summer breeze in your hair. It’s a simple, yet fun adventure that can be done around town or road-tripping. The best is when you see dogs as copilots in the lap or front seat of their owner’s vehicle, with their tongues out and true smiles on their faces. We spoke with Mark Brandow, owner of Quality Coaches in Minneapolis. Mark has been working on cars for five decades and hasn’t lost his passion yet. His shop is a museum in itself, filled with fun mementos for car lovers of all kinds.

For more wind in your hair, you can create your own family or friends adventure with Paradise Charter Cruises. Choose from Lake Minnetonka or the Mississippi River for fun cruises this summer and into the fall with themes like Taco Tuesdays and happy hour pizza.

The North Loop still has some of the best dining to offer in downtown Minneapolis. And NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar has some exciting news for the summer! They are revamping and opening a rooftop space to add to the mix.

If you want to amp up your summer workouts, we have a fun one from Tangletown CrossFit. This crew is a welcoming group and can help you on any fitness level, even if you’re just starting out.

We also have some new summer products for pool, beach or lakeside from locally owned Serge + Jane. And, lastly, we have included a list of local experiences ranging from Wheel Fun Rentals at the city lakes to ValleyFair. We hope these might inspire you to get out there this summer and enjoy what our community has to offer.

Cheers to living in the moment!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Abigail Wharram | abigail.wharram@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Tracy McDermott, Sarah Knieff, Ana Meyer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lucy Hawthorne, Bill Lee, Chad Moon, Jonathan Presson

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

YEARS

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @MinneapolisLakes

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Goorgoorlu Serves Up Traditional African Dishes

New African & American food in North Minneapolis! Goorgoorlu just opened for casual dining or takeout. Chef Mo had three restaurants in Gambia, Africa, and now in partnership with his cousin, Ous; a dream has come true to open a restaurant in America! One of their specialty dishes is Chicken Afra. You can get it mild, medium, or spicy. Check out the menu at www.Goorgoorlu.com. Call 612-214-2554 to place an order. 2118 W. Broadway Ave.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes

Minnehaha Falls

Art Fair Celebrates

Local Creators

Minnehaha Falls Art Fair is back in 2023. Join them on July 14-16 in the most beautiful park in the Twin Cities for 150 amazing artists, live music, food trucks, activities and more. This is a zero-waste event, so bring your own bag and water bottle. minnehahafallsartfair.com.

Taste of Minnesota is Back

From the traditional to the trendsetting, Minnesota features an incredible mix of dishes, communities, and experiences just waiting for you to discover them. And now, Taste of Minnesota is back to help you connect to the neighbors and flavors that make our home a destination for food lovers all over the world. Don't forget to catch the headlining band, Third Eye Blind. July 2-3, noon to 8 p.m. tasteofmn.com.

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local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

VALLEYFAIR: With more than 75 rides and attractions, Valleyfair is the Twin Cities' amusement park where families come to play!  1 Valley Fair Drive, Shakopee, Minnesota

WHEEL FUN RENTALS: Explore Minneapolis Lakes by land and water on a four-wheel Surrey cycle, watercraft or other family-friendly rental. 4135 E. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota

WILD NIGHTS: Experience the Minnesota Zoo like never before! Enjoy live local music, artisan vendors, food and drinks. 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, Minnesota

RUNNING ACES: Live racing is free every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday night starting at 7 p.m. 15201 Zurich Street N.E., Forest Lake, Minnesota

FAWN-DOE-ROSA: Adventure around the world as you experience a brand new culture at Fawn-Doe-Rosa. 2131 US Highway 8, Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Wild Nights

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

A Passion for Cars

THIS FUN AND FRIENDLY SHOP CATERS TO THE OLD AND NEW

When Mark Brandow joined the Peace Corps in 1967 at the age of 19, he was sent to Malaysia. While there, he found an old MGTC and restored it for two years as a teaching aid for his industrial arts students. After spending a third year as a ministry advisor, he decided to return home to Minnesota. But he wasn’t leaving that car behind.

“I shipped it to California in the summer of 1970 and drove it home,” he says. “It took two weeks on the road with my younger brother, and it was so much fun.”

Mark had such a great time fixing that car that he decided to keep doing it when he got home. The problem was the only place he had to work on them was his father’s driveway. That didn’t last long; his father wanted his driveway back.

He persevered, and years later, in 1972, opened his own shop called Quality Coaches, which in 1985 would be moved to its current location in Minneapolis. In 1991, with a little help from his mother, he bought the building and is currently mortgage free.

“By the grace of that and help from my friends, I’m still in business doing what I love,” says Mark. “I wasn’t

trained as a teacher when I went into the Peace Corps, and I wasn’t trained as a businessman when I got into business. And I wasn’t even trained as a mechanic when I got my first MG. So, my attitude is, you learn by doing well enough and you’re rewarded by a positive outcome.”

For his 50th birthday, he and his wife, Eileen Custer, bought a repairable on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, thinking maybe he’d slow down and do something different. But he couldn’t tear himself away from his vocation for fixing cars. “I’m fully invested here because I have to pay my taxes and keep the boys busy. My job is to organize, implement, instigate, agitate, and do all the things that float along being in business.”

Restoring that MG also gave him a passion for British makes and models. “Malaysia was a former British colony, and my little tired horse that I found on the roadside for 150 USD was a leftover from a British serviceman. When I bought it in ‘67, I had never seen anything quite

so unique. It just struck my fancy and I still have it today.” He actually made it into a vintage racer that’s won many awards over the years.

While Quality Coaches works on all cars, the repair and service of vintage cars is truly its niche. “People come from far and wide because they either like the attention we give or the experience they have here,” says Mark. “Even if I don’t have any pedigree in the process - I’m not factory trained and I’m not a dealer affiliate – I’ve got my reputation. I came with nothing and whatever I’ve got was because of the intention, the direction and the discretion that I’ve shown.”

After 50 years of repairing cars, he still has no plans to retire. “If I’m not here, where are people going to take their vintage cars? They’ll have to sell them off. Car culture in the Twin Cities is largely dependent in part on what I’ve been able to grow in a satisfying way. I tell people I’m going for 100 years. I don’t smoke and I don’t drink, and I don’t hang around with those who do. Cars were my hobby and they’re still my passion. Passion never goes out of fashion.”

While Mark has owned his shop for over 50 years, some things have changed along the way. “I’m mortgage free now and we’re eco-friendly,” he says. “We burn all the oil that comes out of cars when we change the oil, so that way we’re recycling something that’s a contaminant. I put solar panels on the roof. And, many of the cars I fix are economically designed and not big heavy polluters.”

He adds, “Being eco-friendly is important because we’re all suffering the complications of climate change and I like to think that I’m doing something for the environment. We can’t do anything to take care of all the pollutants that are coming out of other countries, but on a local level, we need to make sensible decisions. If everyone does their part, it’ll be a whole new world in the future.”

The name of the business derives from the fact that he loves to teach his mechanics and customers what he’s learned over the years. “I’m a big coach. I employ people for their talents and their abilities. I greet customers with a glad hand and tell them I can do what they want for reasonable money. Sometimes they even think that it’s good fun to come in and it’s the fun factor that drives the bus for me.

“Pursuing my dreams was never about money; it was more an attitude of being of service and helping people in need.”

He’s definitely doing a lot of things right. A customer nominated him for the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award (now the Torch Award) which he won in 2008.

20 W. 38th St. | (612) 824-4155 | Quality-Coaches.com

“BY THE GRACE OF THAT AND HELP FROM MY FRIENDS, I’M STILL IN BUSINESS DOING WHAT I LOVE.”

This Just In

NOLO’S KITCHEN & BAR RENOVATES ROOFTOP FOR ULTIMATE FUN

SUMMER FUN

Psst. Hey, North Loopers. NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar has some exciting news to share. Back by popular demand, its newly renovated Rooftop Bar will open mid to late summer for the ultimate open-air experience.

“We are very happy for the relaunch,” co-owner Marty Collins says. “Our customers loved the rooftop so much and were disappointed when we had to close to rezone.”

NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar, located in the historic Maytag Company building, opened almost six years ago. It specializes in serving a straightforward menu of pasta with handmade noodles, burgers and other modernized American comfort foods. Think classic neighborhood tavern with a refined twist.

Owners Brett Johnson, Marty Collins and Peter Hoff have all been in the business of creating tasty food for years and after a chance meeting, decided to join forces.

“We all met, and the rest was history,” Marty says. A few years after NOLO’s opened, the Rooftop Bar was created in response to COVID-19.

“We wanted a space people felt more comfortable in with fresh air,” Marty says. “It was a way for people to not be crammed together in an enclosed space. We had a temporary permit from the city and the go-ahead from our landlord, so we started it in 2020.”

Peter adds, “It was a fun first year. We had rolly bar carts for [canned beverages.] Our servers [grabbed] crafted cocktails and food from downstairs.”

The Rooftop Bar started operating the same way in 2021, but after a few months, they had to shut down due to zoning problems.

“The fire marshall told us we weren’t actually zoned properly for serving liquor and food on the roof,” Marty says. “We needed to change our classification and essentially start from scratch for city applications.”

The team decided to take this as an opportunity to upgrade the space. “We are adding lounges, restrooms, and tables and chairs to fit well over 150 people. A full bar is also being constructed, so servers only need to grab the food from downstairs.

It’s going to be a fun atmosphere for people to hang and relax from daily stressors.”

Peter adds, “As for the food menu, we are offering different specials throughout the summer including happy hour deals, surf and turf, backyard bbq, oysters and a slushie machine for cocktails. We will serve both lunch and dinner up there seven days a week.”

The Rooftop Bar is expected to be fully operational by mid to late summer, making it the perfect spot to grab a drink and beat the heat.

“We like to have fun here and the new Rooftop Bar is going to be epic,” Peter says. “Check our website to keep up with an official opening date. We can’t wait.”

515 Washington Ave N. Ste 100, Minneapolis (612) 800-6033 | noloskitchen.com

“WE LIKE TO HAVE FUN HERE AND THE NEW ROOFTOP BAR IS GOING TO BE EPIC.”

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PARADISE CHARTER CRUISES

SIGHTSEEING BOAT CRUISES, SCENIC TOURS, AND PRIVATE CHARTERS ON LAKE MINNETONKA AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Two tickets to paradise. That Eddie Money oldie hummed through my mind all morning as I cheerily dressed for a Sunday brunch aboard Paradise Charter Cruises’ boat on Lake Minnetonka. The weather was warm, and I was ready for a good time out with my husband.

Free parking was found behind the shops along Water Street, which is just a short walk from the Port of Excelsior. As I surveyed the row of docked charter boats, I was delighted to discover we’d be sailing aboard a mini cruise ship, the Destiny II. She’s an impressive sight: a modern boat with all the elegance of a full-sized cruise ship. Two decks encased in sparkling clean glass lend an open, airy feel, and she’s outfitted with an understated nautical decor ideally suited to a cruise on Minnesota’s swankiest lake.

We waited to board in a queue of ‘happyto-be-here’ Minnesotans gathered to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, engagements, and graduations. An attentive and cheerful crew ushered us aboard just a few minutes before our scheduled departure time.

Once aboard we chose a top-level table surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, safe from wind and water. An open-air deck for cruising and dining sat adjacent to the dining room so we could easily step out for a fresh lake breeze.

Our cruise departed sharply at 11 a.m. for a pleasant glide across the lake’s gently rolling water. An attentive crew fulfilled drink orders from the onboard bar as we got underway so we could experience firsthand how the other half lives. Mimosas, anyone?

While we sipped our drinks we sailed past yachts, sailboats, lakeside mansions, the occasional duck family, and a heap of natural beauty. Captain Ed discretely spilled secrets that only lake insiders know – a who’s who of famous residents and jaw-dropping real estate facts. In between his brief comments, we enjoyed gazing at spectacular views that are only visible from the lake itself.

The sun appeared midway through our cruise and the surface of the lake lit up like a sea of glittering diamonds. So beautiful. It was a perfect chance to stretch and snap a few envy-inducing photos for the folks back home.

Just as I returned to my table, we were invited to partake in a generously laid brunch buffet. I follow a restricted diet and was pleased to find many suitable gluten-free dishes to choose from: fluffy and moist scrambled eggs with various condiment toppings, orange-glazed ham, turkey sausage links, seasoned potatoes, and fresh fruits. My husband sampled the full array of buffet items mentioned plus muffins, coffee cake, and their signature dish, a scrumptious cinnamon French toast bake. ‘Deliciously stuffed’ was the unanimous verdict once we pushed ourselves back from the table.

The evident care taken by every member of the staff really made a good impression on me. All of our servers were attentive and seemed to really enjoy their work. We observed the captain calm the worries of a woman seated nearby who was afraid of water, slip seamlessly into pleasant banter with another guest, then discreetly dispose of trash on a table as he completed various duties, all without a ruffle to his pleasant demeanor.

Our cruise continued for another blissful, beautiful half hour after we’d finished our breakfast. Just as the Port of Excelsior came into view, a Rolling Stones tune began quietly playing over the onboard sound system. I had to laugh at the timing of the song. You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need. The past two hours with Paradise Charter Cruises were exactly what I wanted and exactly what I needed on this Sunday morning – a micro vacation from my everyday life. If you ask me, there is not a more ideal or affordable getaway in the Twin Cities than this. Hope to meet you aboard sometime!

Paradise Charter Cruises offers sightseeing boat cruises, scenic tours, and private charters on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. Their yachts are ideal for corporate events, department parties, team-building excursions, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, sweet sixteens, bar and bat mitzvahs, baby showers, family reunions, and more! twincitiescruises.com

Pool Fashion With Serge + Jane

Splurge on a New Summer Wardrobe

It’s July and boy, is it hot outside! So, why not cool off at the pool in one of these perfect summer outfits? All merchandise is available in-store and online at Serge + Jane.

Serge + Jane is a Men’s, Women’s, Kid’s and Pet’s lifestyle store featuring apparel, accessories, home goods, gifts, new and used vinyl, and items from local makers.

4532 France Ave S., Edina | (612) 315-4638 | sergeandjane.com

R & R

Printed Floral Shorts - $138

Digital Flower Tee - $98

Optic Tee in White - $90

Jet Shorts in Black - $195

FunBoy Inflatable Disco Beach Ball - $14

CABANA CHIC

Hand Crochet Dress in Black/White – $272

Macaw Elegance Short in Black/White – $110

Macaw Elegance Shirt in Black/White – $145

CASUAL COOL

Mixed Neon Midi Dress – $225

Carson Shirt in Hama Wave Olive – $138

Fave Short in Sand – $128

RAINBOW FUN

Pleated V-neck tank in Rainbow Print - $138

Pleated Midi Skirt in Rainbow Print – $218

Stuart Short in Burnt Orange – $98

MALIBU BARBIE

Loop Terry Tennis Dress in White – $114

Tennis Blake Short Oxford Stripe – $158

Funboy X Malibu Barbie Golf Cart – $139

SUN, SAND, AND CROSSFIT

TANGLETOWN MAKES SUMMER WORKOUTS FUN

Finding the motivation to work out during the summer can be challenging. There are barbeques to attend, patios to relax on, and cocktails to be shared amongst friends. Distractions are everywhere and it can be easy to push fitness off.

This is why Tangletown CrossFit combines the sun and sand for a beach workout of the day (WOD). Smiles are provided and having a good time is required.

“Summer is about fun, and we respect that,” owner and head coach Teresa Briest says. “About one to two times a month, we meet at West Bush Lake in Bloomington to work out. This program is in partnership with I SWIM.”

Each beach WOD is a unique blend of CrossFit movements and swimming. All equipment is brought by the coach.

For those new to CrossFit, it’s a fitness methodology consisting of constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity. These movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing, and more.

“The beach WODs are for all levels of swimmers as long as you can successfully complete a 25-yard swim,” Teresa says. “We want people to be safe out on the water and our mission is really to help people get fit, feel great, and make their workout the best part of their day.”

Here is one example of a swim workout that is done with only a pair of dumbbells.

• 50 bent-over rows

• 100-meter swim

• 40 bicep curls

• 100-meter swim

• 30 seated bench press

• 100-meter swim

• 20 lateral pullovers

• 100-meter swim

To learn more about Tangletown CrossFit and the beach WODs, visit tangletowncrossfit.com

383 W. 60th St. | 612-226-8720

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark. Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

Summer is finally here. Take advantage of the season with our Adult Summer Bucket List. Check off these activities as you complete them with your family and friends and congratulate yourself on a Summer well-spent!

EXPLORE A NEW AREA OF YOUR CITY

Are you in the know about your home investment?

Our team of professionals strive to provide the level of service you deserve, the knowledge you need, and the results you desire.

As a leading member of the invitationonly network, Luxury Portfolio International ®, Fazendin Realtors is your connection to qualified buyers all around the globe. And we don’t just list your property; we actively market it and provide a tailored, strategic approach to pricing and negotiation.

Be in the know throughout your time as a homeowner. Buying, selling, and simply living - Fazendin Realtors is here for you for all things real estate. Visit www.fazhomes.findbuyers.com today to get a complimentary snapshot of your home’s investment value.

A Healthier Margarita

DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS

Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila

• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice

• .5 oz. Agave Nectar

• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur

• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer

INSTRUCTIONS

• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.

• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.

• Add fresh ice and garnish.

Let’s Get You Stylin’

Owl exists because we believe in the transformative power of an amazing pair of glasses! Come in any time for a free frame makeover.

4318 Upton Ave S. Minneapolis owloptical.com • 612-367-4106

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 1ST

Waking Worlds: Wondrous Reads for Curious Minds

MINNESOTA MARINE

ART MUSEUM | 10:00 AM

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum debuts its new literary art gallery with a 2,300 sq. ft. exhibit that taps into the ageless beauty of wonder with exhibition experiences inspired by three Minnesota-published books. milkweed.org .

JULY 14TH

TC Summer Fest

TARGET FIELD | 6:00 PM

Don't miss the inaugural TC Summer Fest at Target Field. The twonight festival will feature The Killers, Imagine Dragons, The Flaming Lips, AJR, Death Cab for Cutie, Yam Haus, and more.  mlb.com/twins .

JULY 29TH

The Dinner Detective

Murder Mystery Show

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

MINNEAPOLIS DOWNTOWN

6:00 PM

What do ghouls eat for supper?

Spook-etti! If you chuckled at that joke, you might "die" to be part of America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show—delicious food and a fright are in store.  thedinner detective.com/minneapolis.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MinneapolisLakes